House passes bill banning sale of bongs, bowls

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia businesses couldn't sell bongs, bowls, mini spoons or other items marketed for illegal drug use under a proposal passed by the House of Delegates.

House lawmakers voted 94-2 Wednesday to make intentionally selling drug paraphernalia in West Virginia a misdemeanor, punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and six months to a year in jail. The Senate will consider the bill next.

Whether a product is ultimately declared drug use equipment would depend on its instructions, how it's marketed or displayed, how often it's bought for legitimate purposes and if a business sells related legal products.

The bill exempts items bought with doctors' prescriptions, or pipes, papers and accessories for tobacco.